Trace Adkins is set to be the host of the first annual American Country Awards tonight, Dec. 6.

After spending this weekend rehearsing for the hosting gig, Trace jokes to a Chicago radio station, "Like I'm gonna really say what's on the teleprompter, anyway. We already had some conference calls and going through the script and I'm like, 'That's not funny.' I don't know why other people don't tell them [that some jokes don't work]. If you are the host, you can say 'That ain't funny.' Come on, you need to try a little harder."

Although the awards show takes place in Vegas, Trace claims that "it's funny how when I quit drinking, I quit gambling, too."

To see if Trace Adkins follows the teleprompter, tune into The American Country Awards at 8:00 p.m. tonight on Fox.